#asktheexpert My son still doesn't talk and he need food that is churned in mixer he doesn't bite the food prefers to swolow

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Accepted Answer

If your son is having difficulty with speech and eating solid foods, it’s important to address these concerns as they can be related to developmental issues. Here are steps you can take:

### Speech Development

1. **Consult a Pediatrician:** Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss your concerns. They can evaluate your son’s development and refer you to specialists if needed.
2. **Hearing Test:** Ensure that his hearing is checked, as hearing issues can impact speech development.
3. **Speech Therapy:** A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can assess your son’s speech and language skills and provide targeted therapy to help him develop communication skills.

### Eating and Chewing

1. **Occupational Therapy:** An occupational therapist can help with feeding issues. They can work on developing your son's oral motor skills, which are essential for chewing and swallowing solid foods.
2. **Gradual Transition:** Gradually introduce more textured foods. Start with softer solids that are easy to chew, like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or soft fruits, and slowly increase the texture.
3. **Model Chewing:** Demonstrate chewing and make exaggerated chewing motions. Encourage him to imitate you.
4. **Chewing Exercises:** Give your son safe, chewable items to practice chewing, such as teething toys designed for older children or bite-and-chew toys.
5. **Positive Reinforcement:** Encourage and praise any attempt at chewing. Make mealtime a positive experience.

### Additional Tips

1. **Routine Check-ups:** Regular visits to the pediatrician can help monitor your son’s development and address any concerns early.
2. **Family Meals:** Encourage family meals where everyone eats the same foods. Children often learn by imitating others.
3. **Patience and Consistency:** Developmental progress can take time. Be patient and consistent with the strategies you implement.
4. **Avoid Pressure:** Avoid forcing or pressuring him to eat or speak. This can create negative associations and increase resistance.

### When to Seek Further Evaluation

- **Lack of Progress:** If there is no improvement in speech or eating habits despite following these strategies, further evaluation by specialists is warranted.
- **Developmental Delays:** If you notice other developmental delays or behavioral concerns, comprehensive evaluation by a developmental pediatrician may be necessary.

### Conclusion

Addressing speech and feeding issues early is crucial for your son's development. Working closely with healthcare professionals and specialists can provide the necessary support and interventions to help him progress.